When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon,
Missus Bopkin chops the meat
With a hoompla boompla beat
All the people in the street march to Papa's tune,

All the little girls and boys drop their books and marbles,
Listen to that happy noise going on and on,
Grandpas limber up their knees,
Taxi horns sing "Pardon, please!"
News boys holler melodies to the 'cordion.

When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon,
Mail man whistles "Ain't that fine!"
Waiters hum while people dine,
Clothes are dancing on the line and a toy balloon

Dances gaily on the air and the kid that had it
Kicks his heels and doesn't care where it comes to land,
People going diff'rent ways
Stop and smile and do sashays
All the time when Papa plays his accordion.

When Papa plays the 'cordion ev'rybody dances,
When Papa plays the 'cordion in the afternoon.